MARSHFIELD – The Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library at the UW-Marshfield/Wood County has received a donation of more than 3,000 CDs – bringing the total collection to nearly 3,500, valued at about $10,000.

The CDs are primarily classical, jazz, Broadway musicals and soundtracks, said Ruth Elderbrook, library director.

 “This certainly enhances our collection,” she said.  “The CDs are available for teaching purposes, as well as listening pleasure.”

Dr. David De Lyser, assistant professor of Music, secured the gift from an anonymous donor.  He said he plans to use the expanded CD collection in his Music Theory, Music Appreciation and Jazz History classes.

“Music is an aural art,” De Lyser said. “Talking about it only goes so far.  To truly understand and appreciate music, one has to hear it.”

Prior to the donation, the Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library CD collection made up about 3 percent of the CDs available throughout the 13 UW Colleges’ libraries.  Now, the local collection makes up 35 percent of the Colleges’ CD collection.

“Especially in light of budgetary constraints, we certainly appreciate the donation,” Elderbrook said.

Some of the CDs are already available in the library, but the majority are being cataloged at UW-Fond du Lac Library Support Services.  Once cataloged, the entire CD collection will be available to colleges throughout the United States, Elderbrook said.

“Residents of Wood County and all surrounding communities are allowed to use our library,” Elderbrook said. “Books, magazines and periodicals are available for checkout. CDs, DVDs and videos can only be listened to/viewed in the library, unless you are a student, faculty member or staff.”

In 2005, the Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library was completely refurbished to create an environment which incorporates state-of-the-art technology necessary for electronic research and learning. It includes a teaching lab, where students can upgrade their research skills; The Learning Center, which focuses on building and enhancing classroom skills; and small study areas where students can work together on team and group projects.

The Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library honors the late Hamilton Roddis, who served as secretary, president and chairman of the board of the Roddis Plywood Corp., now Marshfield Door Systems Inc., for more than 60 years.

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